Rhinitis is a condition in which the mucous membranes that line the soft tissues on the inside of the nose get swollen. It can produce a variety of upper respiratory symptoms. While the condition is typically broken out into one of two general categories, there can be many possible causes. Treatments generally include lifestyle changes and/or medications.

When a person has rhinitis, the blood vessels inside the soft tissues of the nasal cavity swell up, which causes the mucous membranes to produce more mucus. This swelling and excess mucus can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and coughing up mucus that runs down the back of the throat. Depending on the underlying cause, a person may also have an itchy nose, as well as eyes that are itchy and watery. Over time, the excess mucus can provide a breeding ground for bacteria in and around the nasal cavity, potentially leading to sinus or ear infections.

Typically, the condition is broken down into two general categories: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis is generally brought on by exposure to a substance a person is allergic to, such as dust, mold or pollen. This is the type that can include symptoms like itching of the eyes and noses, which are common effects of the immune system's reaction to allergen exposure.

Ad

Non-allergic rhinitis may have a variety of different causes. These can include, for example, hormonal changes, stress, the common cold, and irritating substances in the air, such as smoke or chemicals. This form of the condition can also happen in response to the use of certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications that can affect the blood vessels in the nose.

Treatments often include lifestyle changes and medications. Some changes may help treat both allergic and non-allergic forms. For example, for both allergic rhinitis and that caused by exposure to irritants, avoiding the offending substances may help. Washing the nasal passages regularly with a saline solution can also help clear out excess mucus, regardless of the cause. Certain medications, such as decongestants, nasal spray antihistamines and nasal spray steroids may also help with a variety of forms of the condition.

Sometimes, however, treatments targeted to the underlying cause are recommended. For example, allergic rhinitis may be treated with oral antihistamines or allergy shots, both of which can help modulate the immune system's response to allergenic triggers. Or, if the problem is a side effect of taking certain medications, treatment may involve adjusting the dose or discontinuing that medication.

Discuss this Article

pleonasmPost 4

@irontoenail - I think that's why people use salt water. They hope the salt will take care of any bacteria in the water as well as in the sinuses.

I don't actually think rinsing the sinuses will help if you've got allergies though. I have hay fever and the only thing that will make me feel better is the right medication. Anything else is temporary at the most.

bythewellPost 2

Cleaning out the sinuses can help if you've got sinus issues, but you have to make absolutely sure you're not making the problem worse.

There have been cases where people have died from introducing bacteria to their system by using contaminated water to flush their sinuses. And many people regularly use a device to do this, which has to be disinfected regularly or you can face a similar problem.

If your sinuses are already inflamed and vulnerable, additional bacterial infection can be extremely serious, so be careful how you treat them.

irontoenailPost 1

Cleaning out the sinuses can help if you've got sinus issues, but you have to make absolutely sure you're not making the problem worse.

There have been cases where people have died from introducing bacteria to their system by using contaminated water to flush their sinuses. And many people regularly use a device to do this, which has to be disinfected regularly or you can face a similar problem.

If your sinuses are already inflamed and vulnerable, additional bacterial infection can be extremely serious, so be careful how you treat them.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!